Talented athletes must hone their baseball skills against increasingly difficult competition as they rise through the minor leagues. As their opponents adjust to them and exploit weaknesses, they must re-adjust to continue their ascent.

The stands in China are full of people still getting a feel for baseball. But there are also some highly knowledgeable people with prime seating behind the backstop screen the legion of major league scouts who take in as many of the marquee matchups as they can at the Wukesong baseball complex.

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz homered in his rehab debut at Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday night as he tries to work his way back from a wrist injury that has kept him out of the lineup since May 31.

Max Klinger would be proud. The Toledo Mud Hens, the hometown team of the cross-dressing character from the old M*A*S*H TV show, are putting on a power display on a scale never before seen in the Class AAA International League.

The Detroit Tigers recalled Dontrelle Willis from his minor league rehabilitation assignment Sunday, meaning the injured left-hander - who is recovering from a hyperextended right knee - will stay with the team for now instead of in Triple-A.

Roger Clemens is set to join the New York Yankees' rotation and will likely pitch Monday in Chicago, eliminating the drama of Clemens' return against the Boston Red Sox, his original team, and one that tried to sign him.